Juniper

"Juniper doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional upscale Italian restaurant, where red or white tablecloths and extravagant chandeliers are commonplace. Instead, a meal here feels oddly homey. This is a place where you can dress up a little, sip great Italian wines, and enjoy some of the best pasta in town. The tasting menu starts with a round of small bites, followed by five more courses (including dessert). It’s filling enough that you won’t feel shortchanged, but you might find yourself wishing the meal included more than one small plate of pasta, considering it’s Juniper’s biggest strength. Courses: 5, plus a round of small bites Price: $110 per person, plus a surcharge for one of the two entree choices" - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs

"The flagship restaurant of Excelsior Hospitality Group in Austin, where chef Junior Borges plans to focus on Northern Italian cuisine with some Brazilian influences, emphasizing simplicity and high-quality ingredients." - Courtney E. Smith

"Taking its cues from Northern Italian cuisine, the East Austin restaurant serves Italian favorites in a sleek, modern setting. There are a la carte dishes as well as a prix fixe menu. Grab a spot at the chef’s counter for dinner and a show. Don’t miss the focaccia or the delicate pastas. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Erin Russell

"The East Austin Northern Italian restaurant saves its second floor for private events, from seated dinners for up to 50 people to a party with room for up to 75 standing guests." - Erin Russell, Nadia Chaudhury

"The Holly restaurant specializes in Northern Italian cuisine and features an extensive drink menu. It’s open until 10 p.m. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Polly Anna Rocha, Darcie Duttweiler